Unit Manager (Youth Services Unit Administrator)

State of Ohio • Massillon, OH

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The State of Ohio Department of Youth Services (DYS) is seeking a Unit Manager (Youth Services Unit Administrator) to join their team at the Indian River Juvenile Correctional Facility. DYS is dedicated to improving Ohio's future by habilitating youth and empowering families and communities, aiming to provide every youth the opportunity to reach their full potential. This role is crucial in overseeing individual housing units and ensuring the safety, security, and rehabilitation of youth. The ideal candidate will be a strong leader with excellent communication skills and a passion for youth habilitation.

Requirements

• 42 months of training or experience in youth programming services in a secured environment and/or treatment facility for counseling and motivating troubled youth and/or behaviorally challenged clientele.
• Completion of undergraduate core program in behavioral science (e.g., psychology, sociology, social work, rehabilitation, criminal justice, juvenile justice) AND 18 months of experience in a secured environment and/or treatment facility related to youth programming services and/or behaviorally challenged clientele.
• Equivalent of Minimum Class Qualifications for Employment.
• Must pass a criminal background check.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
• Must attend 3 weeks of mandatory, paid pre-service training at the Correctional Training Academy in Orient, Ohio.

Nice To Haves

• Excellent communication skills.
• Passion to habilitate youth.

Responsibilities

• Ensure safety and security of all youth and staff.
• Administer, plan, and coordinate services for youth housing units, including unit plans, group living, safety, security, and idle time.
• Coordinate services with departments such as Behavioral Health Services, recreation, and maintenance.
• Oversee and coordinate unit schedules, ensuring adherence and scheduling of groups and structured activities.
• Ensure staff document contact in the Juvenile Justice Case Management System (JJCMS), including groups and Interdisciplinary Team meetings.
• Implement and administer DYS policies and procedures, American Correctional Association (ACA) standards, Ohio Revised Code (ORC), Senate Bill 5 (SB5), and Ohio Administrative Code (OAC).
• Ensure compliance with Prison Rape Elimination Act (PREA) standards and guidelines.
• Direct unit activities and supervise assigned staff, providing guidance and direction.
• Recognize unethical staff behavior and identify group dynamics.
• Maintain awareness of Security Threat Group (STG) activities/incidents.
• Work with non-compliant youth and de-escalate hostile situations.
• Conduct reviews and implement corrective action for unit incidents.
• Conduct administrative investigations as assigned.
• Respond to and assume Incident Commander role during Critical Incident Management (CIM) situations.
• Monitor JJCMS incidents related to youth assigned to unit(s).
• Provide quality assurance (QA) for unit plan and programming, ensuring compliance with QA indicators.
• Ensure corrective action is taken following QA reports.
• Monitor Use of Force and Separation, including Response to Acts of Violence (AOV) Separation Incidents.
• Provide Safe to Release Assessment and check for youth in AOV separation.
• Make recommendations to supervisor regarding housing unit policy and procedures to develop methods and/or new programs.
• Ensure unit compliance with the youth behavior management system (e.g., Positive Response Incentive Driven Environment).

Benefits

• Medical Coverage
• Free Dental, Vision and Basic Life Insurance premiums after completion of eligibility period
• Paid time off, including vacation, personal, sick leave and 11 paid holidays per year
• Childbirth, Adoption, and Foster Care leave
• Education and Development Opportunities (Employee Development Funds, Public Service Loan Forgiveness, and more)
• Public Retirement Systems (such as OPERS, STRS, SERS, and HPRS)
• Optional Deferred Compensation (Ohio Deferred Compensation)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Manager